The Taphouse Group’s $17m investment

The Taphouse Group will invest $17 million in major project works at Sails Resort and Tacking Point Tavern.

The works represent a significant commitment to the Port Macquarie-Hastings area by the group and will provide a significant amount of local jobs both during construction and post completion. Both sites will be transformed into modern, family and female friendly venues with state-of-the-art facilities, whilst retaining their local character

The commitment continues The Taphouse Group’s desire to invest in Port Macquarie’s future as the leading conference, wedding and leisure destination on the North Coast with extensive refurbishments on two iconic venues managing director David Mattick said.

“We are delighted to commence the major refurbishment at Tacking Point Tavern and the continuation of our major refurbishment at Sails Resort,” he said. “The team have worked tirelessly on the refurbishment plans for Tacking Point Tavern since we acquired the venue in 2015 and have incorporated great feedback from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council along with the local community. “The result will be a state of the art family and female friendly venue in line with what we have achieved at the Kingscliff Beach Hotel. Locals can share a relaxed meal with family and friends along with watching live sport and entertainment. “The venue will also offer a new large format children’s play area.”

Mr Mattick said both projects will add significant value to the region with Sails Resort positioned as a flagship venue to draw event organisers from across the country.

“Sails Resort works will see the building of a new third floor conference and events facility overlooking the stunning Hastings River along with bar, restaurant and entry upgrades and the continuation and completion of our room refurbishments. “This along with our recently completed onsite Pavilion for weddings and events will make it the premier wedding, conference and resort destination on the north coast.”

Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges will begin works on the final phase of its extensive refurbishment with the addition of a third floor, upgrades to reception and entry areas, new restaurant and bar, and a specialist waterfront conference and event centre. The project ensures that the resort will secure its place as a market leader with an exclusive offering attracting not only new leisure guests to the region but larger players in the business tourism, wedding and events arenas.

Work will be staged at the tavern and includes sports and lounge bars, beer garden with live stage for entertainment, sunset terrace and bottle shop – ready by July 2017 – and handover of remaining areas including bistro and large format children’s play area in November 2017. Work at Sails will be handed over as each stage is completed through October, November and December 2017. The Taphouse Group have been investing in Port Macquarie for over 25 years and own and operate many iconic tourism and hospitality assets in Rydges Port Macquarie, Sails Resort, Port Macquarie Hotel, The Beach House, Town Green Inn and Tacking Point Tavern. Taphouse Group employ over 250 local people and over many years have added to the community not only through our developments but also through financially supporting community projects which have added to the Port Macquarie culture and precinct.